IRVING, Texas (Oct. 9, 2012) - Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne and the Irving City Council recognized Clarence Saunders as an Irving High Spirited Citizen on Thursday, Oct. 4, for his dedication towards bettering the Irving community.

An Irving High Spirited Citizen gives freely of their time, service and commitment to the city of Irving, adding character and inspiring others to lead in pursuit of a high quality of life in Irving. Saunders exerts his commitment to the city on both a personal and business level.

For nearly 30 years, Saunders has worked as a State Farm Agent based in Irving. He holds the Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow designation, served on the board of directors for the Greater Irving/Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce (ILCCC) and graduated from the ILCCC Leadership Irving program.

Actively involved with Irving Independent School District, Saunders frequently gives speeches on Business Exchange Day; was a member of the Parent Advisory Council; and mentors students at both Irving High School and Lady Bird Johnson Middle School.

Skilled as a social documentary photographer, Saunders shared his talent over the years by coordinating photographic exhibitions at the Irving Arts Center, and volunteering with various arts programs within the Irving ISD.

For Saunders, the spirit of volunteerism continues beyond Irving city limits.  He's an active member of the NAACP Irving-Carrolton Branch and the Irving Arts Council, and also participates in the Professional Photographers of America; Texas Photographic Society; and Ben Washington Baptist Church, where he teaches in the Brotherhood Ministry.

In recognition for his professional efforts, Saunders received the Business Owner of the Year Award from the Irving-Carrollton Branch of the NAACP. For his outstanding volunteer service to the Irving Independent School District, the Texas State Board of Education awarded him the "Hero's for Children" honor.

The High Spirited Citizen program was initiated in 1988 by the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Its purpose is to encourage the spirit of volunteerism.  To date, more than 400 of Irving's "unsung" heroes have been honored with the award.

About Irving, Texas
Located immediately adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving, Texas, boasts more than 75 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms.  Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community within the city of Irving, is known worldwide for its quality and uniqueness. The city is home to 10,000+ companies, 50 Fortune 500 companies, and the world headquarters of six Fortune 500 companies.  For more information, visit irvingtexas.com

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